Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Clinical Update for Adult and Pediatric Patients-View Presentation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video features Dr. Daniel Maxner and Dr. Leigh Wachtell discussing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in adults and children. Dr. Maxner, ECT program director at the University of Michigan, outlines ECT's efficacy, citing it as highly effective for severe depression, yielding a 60-80% remission rate. He addresses ECT basics, including electrode placement methods, and touches on the impact of COVID-19, highlighting that many ECT programs reduced their capacity during the pandemic. Also, he discusses the use of ECT for geriatric depression and psychotic depression, emphasizing its rapid and significant benefits. Dr. Maxner further covers maintenance ECT to prevent relapse, the mixed efficacy data concerning ECT for schizophrenia due to various barriers, and the potential of ECT for bipolar disorder patients in acute manic or psychotic episodes.<br /><br />Dr. Wachtell, from Kennedy Krieger Institute, focuses on ECT's role in child and adolescent psychiatry, especially for severe mental illnesses not responsive to medications. She emphasizes ECT's beneficial outcomes for autism spectrum disorders with catatonia and repetitive self-injurious behaviors. The use of ECT for these conditions is supported by case studies and retrospective analyses due to the challenges of conducting controlled trials in vulnerable populations. Barriers to pediatric ECT include legal restrictions, stigma, and the need for substantial informed consent.<br /><br />Both speakers highlight the importance of broader acceptance and advocacy for ECT due to its rapid, often life-saving outcomes for severe psychiatric conditions.

Keywords

Electroconvulsive Therapy

ECT

Dr. Daniel Maxner

Dr. Leigh Wachtell

severe depression

COVID-19 impact

geriatric depression

psychotic depression

bipolar disorder

child and adolescent psychiatry

autism spectrum disorders

pediatric ECT

psychiatric conditions